Stubby Talks Transformation

Dave Stubberfield
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  • Entrepreneurship

The podcast for people responsible for making change actually happen in organisations and in life. This isn’t about frameworks, buzzwords, or polished case studies. It’s about the messy middle - the reality between deciding to change and getting change to stick. In each episode, Dave Stubberfield sits down with CEOs, founders, operations leaders and transformation experts to have honest, peer-level conversations about what’s really happening inside organisations. You’ll hear the stories that don’t make it into case studies: navigating silos, firefighting vs improvement, culture lagging behind strategy, leadership pressure and the human side of transformation. If you’re leading change and it feels harder than the theory suggests, this podcast is for you.

Episodes

  1. 2d ago

    Stubby Talks Transformation | Episode 11: Mike Gillespie

    In this episode of Stubby Talks Transformation, Dave Stubberfield sits down with organisational psychologist Mike Gillespie to explore what real change looks like inside organisations — and inside ourselves. The conversation centres on the idea that transformation begins with perspective: when people can step back, see the bigger picture, and understand the human side of change, they’re far more likely to move from resistance to commitment. Mike explains how organisational psychology applies core psychological principles to the workplace, helping people work better together while also improving business outcomes. He introduces the concept behind his book Distancing, co-authored with Captain David Marquet, which focuses on psychological distancing as a practical tool for better decision-making.  The discussion covers self-distancing, third-person reflection, construal level theory, and why getting out of your own head can lead to clearer thinking, better relationships, and stronger leadership. The episode also digs into change management, with Mike emphasising that top-down change rarely works long term unless leaders first understand employees’ fears, motivations, and perspectives. He shares personal reflections on divorce, self-awareness, parenting, and the hard-earned lessons that came from realising how easily people can fool themselves into thinking they’re doing better than they really are. Throughout the conversation, one message stands out: if you want lasting transformation, slow down, listen deeply, and understand the people involved before trying to move them forward. Key Topics: What organisational psychology is and why it mattersWhy work is a powerful place to create meaningful changeThe difference between helping people one-on-one and helping at scaleThe value of starting from curiosity, not certainty, in your careerThe book Distancing and the idea of psychological distancingUsing third-person language to gain clarity and perspectiveSelf-awareness, ego, and how we rationalise our own behaviourHow perspective shapes transformation at both personal and organisational levelsWhy employees resist change when they don’t feel understoodThe importance of purpose, mission, and values in change leadershipThe importance of slowing down and understanding your people before leading change Key Takeaways: People don’t usually resist change itself — they resist change they don’t understand.Perspective is often the first real step in transformation.Self-awareness is not just a personal skill; it is a leadership tool.Compliance may get short-term results, but commitment creates lasting change.• • The best leaders listen before they act.

  2. Jul 8

    Stubby Talks Transformation | Episode 10: Samy Jeffries

    In this episode, Dave Stubberfield sits down with Samy Jeffries, the Chief Revenue Officer of Giraffe360. Samy shares insights on Giraffe360 disrupting the real estate media industry, scaling globally, and building a unified company culture.  Discover how innovative technology and strong leadership are transforming property presentation and business growth. Key Takeaways: Always be ready to go back to basics when entering a new market.Customer success should be proactive, not reactive, to drive growth.Building a strong leadership layer is crucial for scaling.Unified messaging and understanding across departments unlocks growth.

  3. Jun 24

    Stubby Talks Transformation | Episode 9: Alan Brooke

    In this episode I’m joined by Alan Brooke, CEO of Gill Group. Alan shares his journey of transforming a 40-year family-owned business.  He discusses leadership, change management, data-driven decision making, and maintaining a family-first culture amidst growth and uncertainty. Most importantly, he shares why he takes the best bits from different transformation methodologies, and applies them to the right parts of the business.  Key Topics Business transformation and scalingLeadership as a custodian vs founderData-driven decision making and KPIsCreating a culture of continuous improvement• • Managing change and pivoting in uncertain times

  4. Jun 10

    Stubby Talks Transformation | Episode 8: Asma Nafees

    In this insightful interview, Asma Nafees shares her diverse career journey, leadership philosophy, and the importance of kindness, resilience, and community support in transforming organisations and lives. Asma is proof that you can be a parent and can also be a leader on multiple fronts as she opens up about her role in the NHS and the great work she does with women in business and her podcast. Key Takeaways Redundancy taught me to be agile and resilient.Building a strong network is crucial for career stability.Leadership is about kindness, authenticity, and supporting others.Work-life balance and family influence leadership style.Supporting women and diverse leaders creates better organisations.Career pivot and resilienceLeadership in the NHS and organisational changeThe role of kindness and community support in leadership

  5. May 27

    Stubby Talks Transformation | Episode 7: Paul David Munnelly

    In this episode, Dave Stubberfield is joined by Paul David Munnelly, CEO of Munnelly Group. Paul David shares his journey from media production to leading a diverse construction support services group. He discusses leadership, brand strategy, organisational culture, managing change, and future growth plans amidst market uncertainties. Key Topics Leadership transition from founder to CEOManaging multiple brands and maintaining identityOrganisational culture and core valuesOffice transformation and change managementStrategic planning for 2030 and market diversificationResilience through market turbulence and personal challenges

  6. May 13

    Stubby Talks Transformation | Episode 6: Richard Reid

    In this episode, Dave Stubberfield is joined by Richard Reid, Business Development Director at SCCI AlphaTrack. Richard shares his journey through the evolving tech landscape, leadership lessons from military principles, and the importance of authenticity and empathy in management. Discover how embracing change, empowering teams, and maintaining humility can transform your approach to leadership and business growth. Key Topics: Military principles applied to business leadershipThe importance of humility and listening in managementAdapting to rapid technological changeEmpowering teams through trust and autonomyThe role of ego in leadership and decision-making

  7. Apr 29

    Stubby Talks Transformation | Episode 5: Joe Hungerman

    In this episode of Stubby Talks Transformation, Joe Hungerman, founder and CEO of SEE/EYE, discusses the evolution of his software platform aimed at Continuous Improvement across various industries. He emphasises the importance of leadership buy-in for sustainable change and shares his personal journey in the field of continuous improvement. The conversation delves into the concept of 'improvement theatre', the significance of systems thinking in organisations, and the impact of personal loss on leadership and mental health. Joe advocates for a human-first approach in business, highlighting the need for emotional intelligence and open communication in leadership. Key Takeaways Continuous improvement requires a broad spectrum of tools.Leadership buy-in is crucial for sustainable improvement.Improvement theatre often masks the lack of real progress.Systems thinking is essential for understanding organisational dynamics.Automation should enhance human productivity, not replace it.Mental health awareness is vital in leadership roles.Leaders must check in on their team's well-being.A human-first approach fosters better relationships in business.Understanding the concepts behind technology is key to successful implementation.Personal experiences shape leadership styles and approaches.

  8. Apr 15

    Stubby Talks Transformation | Episode 4: Sola Osinoiki

    In this episode of Stubby Talks Transformation, host Dave Stubberfield engages with Sola Osinoiki, a multifaceted leader and director at Josh Leadership. They explore the essence of transformational leadership, the importance of emotional intelligence, and the challenges of breaking through glass ceilings in leadership roles. Sola shares insights on navigating discrimination, the impact of AI on leadership, and the necessity of self-mastery in a rapidly changing work environment. The conversation emphasises the significance of viewing employees as customers and investing in people as a core principle of successful leadership. Takeaways: The thread connecting Sola's career is the focus on people.Leadership coaching is about emotional intelligence, not just technical skills.Many leaders misunderstand the depth of leadership coaching.Transformational leadership requires self-awareness and understanding of team dynamics.Discrimination in leadership can manifest in various forms, including gender and race.Cultural nuances play a significant role in leadership effectiveness.Self-mastery is crucial in navigating workplace challenges.AI is reshaping the landscape of leadership and self-development.Scaling organisations requires a focus on people, not just processes.Investing in people is more valuable than investing in products.

  9. Apr 1

    Stubby Talks Transformation | Episode 3: Kay Tear

    In this insightful episode, Kay Tear, Managing Director of Business Reimagined, shares her journey from management consulting to pioneering a new approach to organisational and personal transformation. Discover how understanding the mind's functions can lead to profound change in leadership, culture, and individual well-being. Key Topics The journey from management consulting to organizational reimaginationThe impact of understanding how the mind works on leadership and culturePractical frameworks for organizational change and personal transformation

  10. Mar 18

    Stubby Talks Transformation | Episode 2: Javier Romero

    Stubby Talks Transformation - Episode 2: Javier Romero In this episode of Stubby Talks Transformation, I chat with Javier Romero, founder of Oson Limited, to explore the intricacies of organisational change. They discuss the evolution of Javier's career from social anthropology to consulting, the unique challenges faced by SMEs, and the common misconceptions surrounding organisational design. The conversation emphasises the importance of culture, communication, and empathy in driving successful change initiatives, while also addressing the costs of inaction and the role of technology in transformation. Javier shares insights on the holistic approach to organizational design, the change curve, and the differences in change management practices between the UK and the US. The episode concludes with rapid-fire questions that highlight key takeaways for leaders. Takeaways - Organisational design encompasses all aspects of an organisation. - Culture and communication are critical for effective change. - SMEs often feel excluded from consulting services. - The cost of inaction can compound over time. - Emotions play a significant role in organisational dynamics. - Technology should be considered last in change initiatives. - Leaders must engage employees in the change process. - Misconceptions about organisational design can hinder progress. - Holistic approaches yield better outcomes in transformation. - Effective communication breaks down silos within organisations.

  11. Mar 4

    Stubby Talks Transformation | Episode 1: Luke Mochrie

    In this episode of Stubby Talks Transformation, Luke Mochrie, Managing Director of Switched On Solutions, shares his journey of entrepreneurship, the challenges of running a business, and the importance of team dynamics and customer relationships. He discusses the evolution of his company, the significance of discipline in tough times, and how personal growth has shaped his leadership style. Luke emphasises the need for a supportive company culture and the value of trust in client relationships, while also reflecting on his own work-life balance and future aspirations for growth.

  • 11 Episodes

About

The podcast for people responsible for making change actually happen in organisations and in life. This isn’t about frameworks, buzzwords, or polished case studies. It’s about the messy middle - the reality between deciding to change and getting change to stick. In each episode, Dave Stubberfield sits down with CEOs, founders, operations leaders and transformation experts to have honest, peer-level conversations about what’s really happening inside organisations. You’ll hear the stories that don’t make it into case studies: navigating silos, firefighting vs improvement, culture lagging behind strategy, leadership pressure and the human side of transformation. If you’re leading change and it feels harder than the theory suggests, this podcast is for you.

Information

  • Creator
    Dave Stubberfield
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Dave Stubberfield